Electrical Connector Gear Locking for Stable Adapter Fastening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connectors have weak locking forces and are easily unlocked from adapter connectors.
Innovation Solution
An electrical connector design featuring a shell, actuator, first gear, and shaft lever with threaded regions, allowing for stable locking and unlocking through rotational mechanisms and threaded connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fastener locking structure is used, then the electrical connector can be connected to the adapter connector, but the locking force is weak and easily unlocked
Solution Approach 1:
The locking structure transitions from a static fastener to a dynamic screwing mechanism. The shaft lever rotates to screw the second threaded region into the adapter connector hole, creating progressive tightening force. This dynamic process allows continuous increase of locking force until the desired secure connection is achieved, resolving the contradiction between ease of connection and locking strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking force parameter is changed from a fixed weak force (fastener) to a variable strong force (screwing mechanism). By rotating the shaft lever, the depth of threading increases, which directly increases the locking force. This parameter change enables the system to achieve both easy initial connection and strong final locking.
2Reliability
If a screwing mechanism is added to improve locking force, then the locking stability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions are merged into the shaft lever component: it serves as both the rotating actuator and the screwing mechanism carrier. The first threaded region and second threaded region are integrated on the same component, allowing the shaft lever to both rotate for positioning and screw for locking. This merging reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall structure while maintaining high locking stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The shaft lever performs multiple functions: it rotates to position the connector, screws the second threaded region into the adapter connector for locking, and can be rotated anticlockwise for unlocking. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate locking and unlocking mechanisms, reducing device complexity while improving locking reliability.
3Force
If the shaft lever rotates to screw into the adapter connector, then the locking force increases, but the unlocking operation becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The unlocking operation is the inverse of the locking operation. Instead of requiring a different mechanism for unlocking, the system simply reverses the rotation direction of the shaft lever. Rotating anticlockwise automatically unscrews the second threaded region from the adapter connector hole, providing easy unlocking that mirrors the locking process. This inversion principle maintains operational simplicity while achieving strong locking force.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Provides a stable and secure locking mechanism that prevents easy unlocking, ensuring a firm connection with adapter connectors.
Implementation Method 1
The actuator is in transmission connection with the first gear to cause the first gear to rotate. The shaft lever is provided with a second gear, a first threaded region, and a second threaded region. The second gear meshes with the first gear.
Implementation Method 2
The first threaded region has the same thread direction as the second threaded region, and is in threaded connection with the shell. The second threaded region is configured to be screwed into a hole of the adapter connector to be fastened with an inner wall of the adapter connector.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector is provided, including: a shell, an electrical connection portion, an actuator, a first gear, and a shaft lever. The electrical connection portion is arranged on the shell. The actuator is rotatably connected to the shell. The actuator is in transmission connection to the first gear to cause the first gear to rotate. The shaft lever is provided with a second gear, a first threaded region, and a second threaded region. The second gear meshes with the first gear. The first threaded region has the same thread direction as the second threaded region, and is in threaded connection with the shell. The second threaded region is configured to be screwed into a hole of the adapter connector to be fastened with an inner wall of the adapter connector. The electrical connector can be fastened with the adapter connector in a more stable locking manner.